ALDOT: Sinkholes Spotted At Major Road Project Site

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ALDOT: Sinkholes Spotted At Major Road Project Site

MADISON, Ala.(WHNT)-Sinkholes have shown up at a major road project in Madison.

The Alabama Department of Transportation says three separate sinkholes have showed up at the future County Line Road Interchange since December. The sinkholes ranged from 12 to 15 feet deep, and were all spotted under the eastbound ramp to I-565 currently being built.

ALDOT spokesman Johnny Harris said two of the holes have already been filled while the third is under review by geologists.

“They basically just appeared as small holes in the ground,” said Harris. “The sinkholes aren’t affecting progress in the project as far as the contractor being able to work. He’s able to work in other areas of the project, but we did have to suspend operations in that area until he concluded an investigation.”

Harris said the sinkholes aren’t as problematic as some might think, calling it a common occurrence that’s a result of the limestone soil that much of north Alabama lies on. Engineers are able to treat the area and make it safe enough for future travel. We’re told the project is still on track for its target completion date of mid-2015.

“It is a good thing that they did show up at this stage of construction,” said Harris. “They are a lot easier to deal with and less costly as well.”

ALDOT says the extra work caused by the sinkholes means an extra $300,000 in total cost.